Deacon Andrei Pope of Petersburg, Virginia peacefully completed his earthly journey on July 3, 2026 at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, Virginia.

Deacon Pope was born November 17, 1949 in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Freddie Scott Pope and Virginia C. Pope. On July 13, 1973, Dea. Pope was united in holy matrimony to Linda Rae Washington.  To this union two children were born, Andrei M. Pope, Jr. and Kandy M. Pope Fowlkes.

On April 24, 1994, he was reborn into the family of Christ and became a dedicated member of Good News Baptist Church.  In March 2015, he was ordained to the office of Deacon, where he faithfully served with humility, dedication, and a servant's heart. As a devoted deacon, he ministered to the congregation through both his leadership and his willingness to serve wherever needed.

He was a faithful member of the Good News Singers and the Good News Men's Choral, using his voice to glorify God and encourage others through music. He also served on the Visitation Committee, faithfully reaching out to members and nonmembers with compassion and care. In addition, alongside the Church Clerk, he served as a contact person, helping communicate important information concerning the church and its members, ensuring that the congregation remained informed and connected.

His educational background and work experience began with his proud service in the United States Marines.  He proudly proclaims the U.S. Marines to be one of the best decisions of his life and his acceptance of Jesus Christ and his marriage to his loving and dedicated wife, Linda being his greatest accomplishments.  He attended John Tyler Community College (Brightpoint), Chester, Virginia Campus where he received a certification in automotive diagnosis and tuneup.  He also received an Associates of Arts in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.  He received many Certificates of Achievement in several fields of work.

Deacon Pope leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Linda Washington Pope; his two children, Andrei M. Pope, Jr. and Kandy M. Pope-Fowlkes; grandchildren, Dominiquie L. Pope, TaQuan C. Fowlkes, Xavier L. Fowlkes and Nicole Smith; great grandchildren: D'lani M. L. Pope, Jaelynn M. Fowlkes, Kvontay E. Fowlkes, and Ta'mir Holmes; sister, Hernetta Talley; a very close cousin, Debra Witter; nieces, Danielle and Nicole Talley; nephew, Dion Talley, niece-in-law, Lashell Washington; and many other nieces and nephews too many to list; special friend and neighbor, Ragus Wilson; devoted Marine brother, Bobby Lipscomb; close family friends, Winder Blyther and Demetra Smith and Sonja Dobson; and the entire Good News Baptist Church family, who expressed unwavering love, prayers, and support throughout Deacon Pope's years of illness.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Good News Baptist Church, 1920 Dupuy Road, Petersburg, VA. The interemnt to follow at The Parham Family Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911 , www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6058367?fl=so&fe=fs